CH 285

“Chapter 285: Escaping from the Depths”

【―――・・・】

– TAKAYA!

Ralph quickly grabbed my hand and swam upwards.

– Where did that thing come from? I couldn’t sense it at all.

Carrying me on his back, Ralph drew out his golden sword.

In terms of size, the serpent is about half the size of the kraken, but it’s easy to tell that their power levels aren’t even comparable.

We’re in its territory. Running away is not going to be a walk in the park.

We have to fight.

– Takaya, how many potions do you have?

– 9. Do you think we can’t beat it?

– That thing… It feels like the monsters on the border. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but I wouldn’t trust my odds.

【――・――・・――】

The monster was slowly swimming towards us, always keeping a certain distance.

On occasions, I could see a blue spark lighting up on certain parts of its body.

It must use electric shocks to weaken its victims and then finish them off.

– Guess we only have one way out of this. Hold on tight and close your eyes.

Ralph surrounded himself with a blinding golden light.

This is his serious mode.

【――・】

The snake stopped in response. It’s waiting to intercept Ralph’s attack.

– …

【――】

– HAAA!

Ralph charged at full speed, but the serpent was able to dodge it easily.

His magic only allows us to breathe underwater. It’s by no means a protection from electric shocks or poisonous bites. If we leave ourselves exposed, it could be the end.

【・――】

Ralph struck again at the snake’s head.

A slight twist of its body was all it took to leave Ralph’s attacks in vain.

【―――】

The serpent showed its fangs and took the initiative to pierce Ralph’s neck.

– Haha, nice try.

【―・！？――――？？】

The snake’s vision was filled with darkness. It was showing obvious signs of panic.

The adventurer that should be dead was nowhere to be seen. There was nothing to see.

– Sorry! I wanted to fight, but I have a client here, you know? I gotta run~

In Ralph’s hand was the empty bag of the kraken’s ink.

He had no intentions of fighting in the first place. His attacks were simply a distraction.

– We made it out, somehow.

– Not yet, but if you keep going at full speed we’ll make it out.

I expect the serpent to come after us, but hopefully we’ll be back on land by then.

We were unable to secure the Unbreakable, but now we can take countermeasures for next time.

About 70 meters left until we rise to the surface. No traces of the snake.

(I can’t believe we escaped that…)

【――――・・・】

An electric sound interrupted my sigh of relief.

(HOW!?)

Ralph wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. He HAD to have sensed the snake coming our way.

Actually, it didn’t come from below us. It appeared next to us.

– Another one!?

【―――！】

This one was half the size of the other snake, but just as dangerous.

– Are they cooperating!? Since when are magical beasts this smart!? (Ralph)

Ralph was one step behind the snake.

But at that moment-

【――？？！】

– What is going on!? (Ralph)

A violent whirlpool swirled in the otherwise calm sea, completely interrupting any movement from any of the parties.

Ralph, the serpent and I were scattered amidst the current.

– Now what!? (Takaya)

– It is I, disciple of the forest.

– You!?

A beautiful woman with blonde hair wearing a robe caught me in her arms.

Her name is Diine. The Sage of the Sea.